Page "Paradise flycatcher" Paragraph 11

Paradise flycatchers, like all monarch flycatchers, are monogamous and are generally territorial, although in some cases birds may nest close together and defend the nests together against predators.

Females apparently select males based on their tail length, a form of sexual selection.

Paradise flycatchers are unusual as exaggerated sexual traits are usually found in promiscuous birds, not monogamous ones.

The nests of this genus are neat deep cups placed on a branch or twig, often in a fork.

They are usually placed 1 – 3 m off the ground.

They are often very conspicuous, particularly when the long-tailed males are incubating.

The nests are, however, aggressively defended by the pair.

Amongst the pair duties are shared but not equally.

For example, in the Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher the female undertakes more brooding responsibilities whereas the male spends more time guarding the nest.